things are tough

USAGE SUMMARY

"things are tough" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is typically used metaphorically to denote a challenging situation. For example, "With the economy in such poor shape, things are tough for small businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things are tough".

The Guardian

Things are tough now.

The Guardian

You see, things are tough at home.

Independent

When things are tough, they've got that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Things are tough," Mr. Steel said.

The New York Times

Things are tough in New Orleans.

The New York Times - Sports

Things are tough in the ballet world nowadays.

The New Yorker

"Things are tough, but I'm more concerned about getting this government out of power," he said.

The New York Times

"Mitt Romney is running at a time when things are tough for Americans.

The New York Times

"Though things are tough for Zarqawi, he has a long-term vision," an official said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In France, things are tougher.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are tough" to convey empathy and understanding in situations where people are facing difficulties. For example, in a speech about economic challenges, you can say, "I know things are tough for many families right now, and we are committed to finding solutions."

Common error

Avoid using "things are tough" excessively in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the challenges being faced. For example, instead of saying "things are tough in the job market", you could say "the job market presents significant challenges for recent graduates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are tough" functions as a statement expressing a difficult or challenging situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used metaphorically. It serves to acknowledge hardships or difficulties, providing a concise way to communicate a sense of struggle or adversity. For example, "Things are tough at the moment but we've got to ride it through."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things are tough" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a situation is difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express empathy, acknowledge hardships, and signal a need for resilience. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "times are hard" or "life is challenging" can enhance your writing. Remember, using this phrase to express empathy and understanding is one of the best practice. "Things are tough" is a reliable and understandable expression across many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times are hard

Focuses on the economic difficulty of the period.

it's a struggle

Highlights the effort required to overcome challenges.

life is challenging

Refers to the overall difficulty of someone's existence.

we're facing hardships

Emphasizes the collective experience of difficulty.

circumstances are difficult

Focuses on the challenging external factors.

the going gets tough

Suggests that the current difficulties are increasing

it's an uphill battle

Highlights the struggle and effort required

we're up against it

Signifies the presence of significant challenges.

the situation is grim

Focuses on the negativity and hopelessness of the circumstances

it's a trying time

Emphasizes the emotional strain and testing nature of the period

FAQs

How can I use "things are tough" in a sentence?

You can use "things are tough" to express that a situation is difficult or challenging. For example, "Things are tough economically for many families right now" or "Things are tough, but we'll get through this together."

What are some alternatives to saying "things are tough"?

Some alternatives to "things are tough" include "times are hard", "it's a struggle", or "life is challenging", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "things are tough"?

Yes, "things are tough" is grammatically correct. The subject "things" is plural, so the verb "are" is used correctly. "Tough" is an adjective describing the state of "things".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things are tough"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "things are tough" in both formal and informal settings when you want to acknowledge or express that someone or a group of people is facing challenging circumstances. However, consider more formal alternatives such as "circumstances are difficult" in professional environments.